Mantha Joins Devils: Risky Bet or Offseason Steal?

Anthony Mantha has officially joined the New Jersey Devils, signing a contract that has sparked considerable debate among analysts and fans. The winger, who will be 32 at the start of the 2026-27 season, comes with a history of inconsistency and injuries, and has struggled in playoff performances.

However, Mantha is fresh off his most productive NHL season, scoring 33 goals and 64 points for the Pittsburgh Penguins. His finishing ability directly addresses the Devils' critical weakness last season, where they scored approximately 48 goals below expected.

Mantha's scoring prowess was remarkable, with a 21.7% shooting percentage ranking fourth in the league among players with at least 60 games played. He also posted seven power-play goals, which would have been second on the Devils last season.

Despite criticisms that his success was tied to playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Mantha spent significant time on a line with younger players, controlling 64.7% of goals scored. This suggests his production was not solely dependent on veteran linemates.

The risks associated with Mantha are real, including a history of missing games due to injury and inconsistency in high-pressure situations. He missed 138 games over the last five seasons, though he only missed one game last season.

At $4.5 million annually, Mantha represents a calculated gamble for the Devils, who are not asking him to be their star player. His contract lacks a no-movement clause, offering flexibility. If Mantha performs near his recent output, he could significantly elevate the Devils into an Eastern Conference contender.